We are finally seeing an end to COVID-19 mandates after a rough two years. New studies published are showing that cannabinoids like CBD and CBG may help reduce symptoms and prevent people from contracting COVID-19
Since the science surrounding cannabis and COVID is in its infant stage, we can’t say for certain using cannabis products will prevent you from contracting the virus. What we do know is that phytocompounds derived from cannabis possess antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Between December 2020 and January 2022 I found four different studies on cannabinoids and COVID-19.
Our endocannabinoid system (ECS) monitors, regulates, and protects vital systems in our bodies- including our immune system.
Cannabinoids derived from cannabis work with our ECS just like the endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) our bodies produce naturally.
This December 2020 study discusses the role of our ECS, cannabinoids, and SARS-CoV-2. In a nutshell, it covers how more research needs to be conducted on the effectiveness of cannabis-derived phytocompounds like CBD and CBG, but it’s a start.
“From a clinical point of view, epidemiological studies (with case-control design) and retrospective data about the consumption of cannabinoids by patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are needed in order to suggest a potential influence of cannabinoids on disease progression and severity.”
Fast forward to January 14th, 2021, this study was published in Scientific Reports Volume 11 titled “Cannabis compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in vitro in COVID-19-related inflammation in lung epithelial cells and pro-inflammatory activity in macrophages”.
While this study also suggests avoiding cannabis use to treat COVID-19 because of lack of research, it did show that the combination of the acid forms of cannabinoid compounds THC, CBG, CBD did in fact produce an anti-inflammatory response in lung cells.
March 10th of the same year another study (which is still in preprint) published by bioRxiv shows that cannabinoids like CBD may inhibit or potentially block COVID-19.
“Here we report that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound produced by the cannabis plant, inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection. CBD and its metabolite, 7-OH-CBD, but not congeneric cannabinoids, potently block SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung epithelial cells. CBD acts after cellular infection, inhibiting viral gene expression and reversing many effects of SARS-CoV-2 on host gene transcription.”
The latest study published on January 28th of this year says that cannabinoids in their acid form (THC-v, CBD-v, CBG,v) may in fact prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in humans.
This study says cannabinoids should be taken as a supplement to vaccines.
We have known for decades that cannabis compounds work with our ECS and our own endocannabinoids to promote homeostasis (mind/body balance).
Of course, sparking a joint and passing it around is not recommended and may in fact worsen the spread/severity of infection.
That being said, utilizing the right cannabinoids may help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Acknowledgements
Nguyen, Long Chi et al. “Cannabidiol Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Promotes the Host Innate Immune Response.” bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology 2021.03.10.432967. 10 Mar. 2021, doi:10.1101/2021.03.10.432967. Preprint.
van Breemen RB, Muchiri RN, Bates TA, Weinstein JB, Leier HC, Farley S, Tafesse FG. Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants. J Nat Prod. 2022 Jan 28;85(1):176-184. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00946. Epub 2022 Jan 10. PMID: 35007072; PMCID: PMC8768006.
Anil, S. M., Shalev, N., Vinayaka, A. C., Nadarajan, S., Namdar, D., Belausov, E., Shoval, I., Mani, K. A., Mechrez, G., & Koltai, H. (2021). Cannabis compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in vitro in COVID-19-related inflammation in lung epithelial cells and pro-inflammatory activity in macrophages. Scientific reports, 11(1), 1462. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-81049-2
About the author: Heather Burton
Heather lives with her husband and two children in beautiful British Columbia. Her passion has always been to enhance the lives of others by helping them reach their business goals.
Content management is her specialty, and writing is what she does best. Working specifically in the cannabis market, Heather strives to help dispensaries, patients, doctors, manufacturers and recreational users by giving them the voice they need. When she is not writing, you can find her anywhere outdoors and away from the screen.
